Cycling is one of those sports that many people learn at a very young age and then take for grated ever since. So many people take part in cycling as its not that hard once you have learned and you can go at whatever pace you like. Something that most people are unaware of though when it comes to bike riding, is that it has long been used as a method of fighting depression. So why is that cycling is so good for your mental health?

Outdoors. To start with, cycling is more often than not an outdoor activity. Research has proved that people recover much better when they are in open spaces and are meeting other people in the outside world. Additionally the natural surroundings and fresh air are invigorating and can easily lift your mood. Bikes are also a great deal easier to transport than other outdoor equipment like surfboards or used kayaks.

Healthy body, healthy mind. Depression can be linked to many things, but it is often a difficult hole to get out of. People tend to either comfort eat or neglect their appearance when suffering from depression and this usually makes things worse. Because cycling is an aerobic activity, it helps to reduce fat in the body very effectively and also improves muscle tone. As people start to feel happier with the way they look, their confidence returns and they start to feel better generally.

Endophines. Cycling is one of those exercises that when performed, causes the brain to release endorphins into the blood stream, which are hormone that makes you feel happy. These hormones not only improve you bodies functioning but also reduce stress and increase the feeling of happiness. So it is easy to see why tests show exercise to be among the most effective treatment methods for depression. So if you’re feeling a bit low, get some second hand bikes and go for a ride with a friend or partner